Thank you to my wonderful beta, ObsessedRHShipper!
CHAPTER ONE
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A year or so after the war, Hermione moved into a small flat with Ron and Crookshanks , just outside London near her parents; they used the donated money they got from people who were showing thanks to them for helping Harry save the world.
Although all the Weasley's suffered from the loss of Fred, George had a hole within him beyond just the one left from the loss of his ear. After a couple of months, he opened Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes with Angelina and Lee, but it didn't stop him from feeling down. Ron and Hermione had once walked in on one of these moments, but he improved a lot since then. Ron went to help in the shop for a few months before starting his Auror training with Harry while Hermione returned to Hogwarts to study for her N.E.W.T.s. Harry and Ginny moved into Grimmauld Place with Kreacher and had refurbished the whole house, even giving Kreacher his own room, which made Hermione smile.
The sun had been shining through the windows since noon, and Hermione had reverted to researching the current laws on house elves for her new position in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Hermione sat comfortably on the sofa with Crookshanks at her feet for a couple of hours. Suddenly, arms enveloped her from behind and closed her book, and then a kiss was placed on the crown of her head.
"Is that book so interesting, you didn't even hear me come in?" She turned around and saw the lopsided grin that made her insides warm up. The brunette swatted him playfully on the arm and pulled him in for a kiss before pulling away.
"Hey, how was work today?" she asked. He jumped over the back of the sofa to sit beside her, which was something he did a lot.
"The usual, though me and Harry need to go in tomorrow for some paperwork for the Death Eater we've just caught," said Ron looking slightly disappointed because they usually spent Sunday mornings lying in or going on walks.
Hermione resisted the urge to correct him and said, "It's okay, Ron. My parents invited us over for lunch, so I will just go there and we could meet at The Burrow in the afternoon?"
"Sounds perfect," he then brushed his lips on her cheek. "I'm going to take a shower now," he stated as he got up and walked down the hallway.
"So, where are we going tonight and why can't you tell me again?" Hermione asked loudly.
"It's a surprise and…" There was a pause as he went to retrieve clothes from the bedroom and then he appeared back in the hallway. "I know you hate surprises, but I wouldn't forgive myself if I told you after keeping it to myself for so long. You better get ready though, Mione." he smiled.
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2 hours later
"Hermione, are you nearly finished in there? I need to use the toilet and you've been in there for ages; what are you doing?"
"I'm getting ready, like you asked. It's just my hair…," she replied from the bathroom; she was getting quite frustrated as she had run out of Sleekeazy's Hair Potion.
"Just open up," Ron coaxed.
"Okay, just a moment," Hermione exclaimed before unlocking the door to see Ron's jaw drop. She was wearing a red dress that Ginny picked out yesterday.
"Wow," he said after he regained his speech, "I mean you look beautiful... Not that you don't -" His ramble was cut off with a chaste kiss. Her cheeks heated up just like his ears did and she smiled at the fact she could still cause such a reaction. He leaned forward and kissed her again, this time more gently yet passionately. After a few moments, he slowly pulled away.
"Do you no longer need the loo, Mr. Weasley?" she teased, with a smirk spreading across her face as she walked out of the bathroom.
She waited for Ron in the living room, tapping her foot impatiently. The click of the lock brought her back to the room and she looked up to see Ron in a suit. He took three strides over to her and helped Hermione up. Standing on her toes, Hermione ran her fingers through his hair and whispered in his ear, "You look so handsome in this suit. It's very you, although six years of tying school ties without my help must have been quite a struggle for you." She then readjusted his blue tie.
"Thank you. Are you ready, Mione?" he laughed, while kissing her nose. She grabbed his outstretched hand and felt the familiar tug of apparation.
Their feet landed solidly on the uneven surface of the alleyway and Ron had started leading them, tugging slightly on her arm. The scent of the beach came up and they could hear the waves crashing against the rocks. They came up to a small building and proceeded to go in. Ron wanted to surprise her by booking a table at a muggle restaurant to celebrate her new job. Ron conversed with the waiter and they were led through the bustling restaurant and outside to the deck area, where there was a picturesque view of the ocean and a four man brass band beside a dance area. Ron helped her settle into the chair before settling into his own.
"So, whaddya think?" He smiled.
"It's perfect," she breathed and she fell deeper and deeper into his light blue eyes. The waiter returned and took their orders. She smiled at Ron and caressed his hand over the table. Once the drinks arrived, he kept taking small sips of his red wine as if there was something bothering him.
"What's wrong, love?"
Breaking out of his daze, he said "Huh? Oh, nothing, just er- a bit warm that's all." He reassured her by smiling, but she didn't believe him. He noticed her staring longingly at the dancing couples and mumbled "Doyouwanttodancewithme?" The tips of his ears changed color to match his hair.
"I'd love to," she smiled reassuringly and took his hand. He led them over to the front of the deck area and gave a bow. Hermione smiled and placed her arms around his neck. He lowered his arms to the small of her back and waist. They started swaying to the rhythm of the music.
"I love you," she breathed. He looked up and his eyes lit up. He then kissed the crown of her head again.
After three songs, they returned to their seats and the main course arrived shortly afterwards. Ron took to feeding her bits of his roast chicken and she gave him some grilled mackerel. They laughed, joked and exchanged some childhood stories.
They skipped dessert, as they were both very full. The bill came and Ron had a bit of trouble with paying. He had brought over £100, but she didn't think he realised how much that was. He got slightly embarrassed and let her have the money to pay; she made a mental note to teach him later on. After dinner, they went to sit on the fine sand close to the restaurant. Hermione placed her head against his chest and his arm snaked around her shoulder.
"Thank you for bringing me here," she pressed her lips against his. Feeling him grin against her lips was a wonderful sensation and she didn't want it to end.
"You deserved it, Hermione," he smiled.
"Thank you, not just for today, for everything," she said.
"I believe I owe you thanks too. I feel like taking a walk; care to join me, Miss Granger?" Hermione nodded so he hoisted her up and they laced their fingers together.
They strolled down the beach with shoes in one hand, and a warm hand in the other. The sun was slowly reclining behind the horizon, and the waves of the sea calmly sounded. In the distance, they spotted an ice cream van. Ron yelled, "Race you there!" giving her a short head start.
She broke out into a run, like a bird being released, but with his long legs and athletic nature, he quickly overtook her and had already bought two vanilla ice creams when she reached him.
"Come on, Slug Queen!" he teased and began eating his ice cream like a small child. As she finished eating her ice cream, the temperature started to fall. Ron noticed her shiver, so he wrapped his jacket around her and pulled her closer to him, which she wasn't complaining about! His body felt so right pressed up against hers, warmth and safety washed over her like waves. Ron moved to stand in front of her and placed his hands on her shoulders. She furrowed her brows at his actions and he chuckled.
"What's so funny?" she said looking worried.
"You have ice cream. Did you know? Just there," He laughed and pointed to her cheek. She rolled her eyes at this comment. "I also have another surprise for you," he said simply. "Put this blindfold on and wait a second, Mione."
She reluctantly did as he asked and waited. Hermione couldn't help but think about the way he called her "Mione." It was something that made her adore him, and she made sure it was limited to him. She needed to think of a pet name for him, besides Won-Won that is.
"Okay, you can take it off now." Hermione slowly untied the blindfold and her eyes widened at the sight before her eyes.
As she opened her eyes, she discovered candles in the shape of a heart, fireflies buzzing around creating a lovely atmosphere and, in front of her, Ron down on one knee holding a petit velvet box. Remember to breathe, she told herself.
He took her hands in his and began, "I love you, Hermione. You're brave, beautiful, bloody brilliant, and smart and I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy. Will you make me the luckiest guy in the world by marrying me?" There were two rings: a simple yet elegant silver band, and a silver band with a diamond that glistened in the daylight. Tears rolled down her cheek as she listened to his wonderful speech and then she vigorously nodded.
"Yes! Of course it's a yes! It's so beautiful and delicate." He beamed and carefully slipped the ring onto her fourth finger and picked her up off of her feet. His lips crashed into hers and they only stopped when they needed air.
When she went to examine the ring, she noticed some etchings, and Ron provided an explanation, "The little carvings represent key events in our lives: the Hogwarts Express, the troll, the basilisk, the time turner, the Yule Ball, the elves, the poisoned mead, skimming stones and the deluminator." Hermione grinned like a fool and was left speechless at the thought that went into just this ring. "And your ring is a twin to my ring; if you are in danger, and I pray to Merlin you aren't, my ring will heat up and glow and yours will do so the other way. It also allows me to apparate nearby, kinda like the deluminator," he said excitedly.
"It's better than what I ever imagined." She took the remaining ring and slipped it onto his finger. Hermione then leaned in for another kiss.
"Good thing I didn't cock up, eh? I was so nervous but I knew if I messed up, Ginny would make good on her threat to hex me and I wouldn't be the luckiest guy in the world." He raised an eyebrow. She swatted his arm and Ron looked at her confused.
"I wouldn't have minded either way, as long as you're mine." Hermione smiled and nuzzled her face into his chest.
"Just a bit possessive, aren't we? Not that I mind, you can boss me around any time you want."
Hermione laughed and bit her lip as she thought, "So that's why Ginny was acting slightly weird yesterday, when we went shopping. She already knew and nearly let it slip."
"Mhmm, I took her to help pick the ring." He lifted her face up and pulled in for short kiss. "Did I tell you that I love you?"
Hermione laughed and said, "You might have mentioned it, but I wouldn't mind hearing it again."
He rested his forehead against hers, his azure eyes never left hers, and then he said, "I love you, Hermione."
"Ron, I love you too."
They stood there, kissing, embracing and holding each other, for what seemed like minutes, but in reality was about an hour.
It was getting dark and colder, so Ron broke the silence and asked, "Do you want to go home now?" She nodded and he took them home via apparition.
They arrived home and snuggled on the couch. She wanted to tell someone about the engagement as soon as possible.
"Shall we announce it at The Burrow tomorrow?"
"Yeah, good idea. You can bring your parents with you and we can tell them all at once, saves us saying it twice. I can see the look on my mum's face now!
"Okay, I doubt they would be busy," said Hermione.
"When do you think we should have this wedding then; I was thinking summertime?" Ron cracked a smile.
"Either that or spring. The weather would be perfect. Are we having it at The Burrow?"
"I don't see why not. We can ask my mum tomorrow too?" Ron grinned.
"We'll need to choose bridesmaids and groomsmen soon," Hermione said excitedly.
"Not yet, Hermione, we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves. We have about a year to plan! We should head to bed, early morning tomorrow," Ron said as he yawned.
"You better not plan on leaving this all to the last minute," she warned.
"Like I could, what with you, your mum AND my mum breathing down my neck. I'd rather face a dragon!" Ron joked.
Hermione playfully swatted his arm and they headed to bed with the most wonderful feeling they had ever experienced and this was just the beginning.
Woo! First chapter done, I plan to update within two weeks :) Please review, constructive criticism is welcome